Decius wrote:

OpenBTS is an open-source Unix application that uses the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) to present a GSM air interface ("Um") to standard GSM handset and uses the Asterisk software PBX to connect calls.

One of their lessons learned from running this at Burning Man is that users don't really pay attention to what carrier their cellphone has attached to.

Holy crap. Did you use this?

flynn23 wrote:

Decius wrote:

OpenBTS is an open-source Unix application that uses the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) to present a GSM air interface ("Um") to standard GSM handset and uses the Asterisk software PBX to connect calls.

One of their lessons learned from running this at Burning Man is that users don't really pay attention to what carrier their cellphone has attached to.

Holy crap. Did you use this?

I've never been to burning man, if thats what you mean. GNU Radio is the awesome. This is a good example of the kind of cool crap you can do with it. These people get mad leet points.

Decius wrote:

flynn23 wrote:

Decius wrote:

OpenBTS is an open-source Unix application that uses the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP) to present a GSM air interface ("Um") to standard GSM handset and uses the Asterisk software PBX to connect calls.

One of their lessons learned from running this at Burning Man is that users don't really pay attention to what carrier their cellphone has attached to.

Holy crap. Did you use this?

I've never been to burning man, if thats what you mean. GNU Radio is the awesome. This is a good example of the kind of cool crap you can do with it. These people get mad leet points.

Well, one, I'm kinda happy to hear that. But two, yeah... I almost creamed my jeans. I knew of GNU radio, but hadn't realized how much it's developed over the years. My head exploded with the possibilities.

flynn23 wrote:
I knew of GNU radio, but hadn't realized how much it's developed over the years. My head exploded with the possibilities.

Such as? The OpenBTS guys are really serious about commercial applications for their technology. Also, AT&T has begun selling Microcells. I don't know how the regulatory framework works for those - if they piggyback on AT&T's existing spectrum licensing or if you are simply allowed to operate a cell as long as you are below a certain wattage threshold...

Decius wrote:

flynn23 wrote:
I knew of GNU radio, but hadn't realized how much it's developed over the years. My head exploded with the possibilities.

Such as? The OpenBTS guys are really serious about commercial applications for their technology. Also, AT&T has begun selling Microcells. I don't know how the regulatory framework works for those - if they piggyback on AT&T's existing spectrum licensing or if you are simply allowed to operate a cell as long as you are below a certain wattage threshold...

I laughed a long hearty laugh when I saw the announcement for the microcells. All the carriers have them now. I love that you have to purchase them, to make up for their shitty planning and quality of service. If someone there was smart, they'd give them away to improve service. Then they could market the fact that it's great.

I believe it's a wattage issue. Those things are really no more powerful than another handset. It's no different than if you had a wifi AP. Interesting that you still have to pay for the backhaul as well.

I like the idea of a freely available GSM alternative. Just like wifi, there's ways to organize that to create small clusters of coverage that's not driven by tyranny. The cell network is the last network to be cracked open for public exploration and mashup. Considering how mobility is very very important these days, I think this is a Very Good Thing(tm).

I like the fact that the firmware is available for burning onto PCBs. This makes it really easy to either re-engineer an existing protocol, or superset an existing protocol, or make your own protocol and end up with some low power, easily scalable hardware. Roll your own WiMax cell anyone? If I was a rural municipality, I'd spend the $2000 and some consulting money to hire a hacker to put together a wide band communications service for my citizens and services. That would be a great investment in economic growth. Really, the opportunities are almost endless.